And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

EXODUS 39:20KJV
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Exodus 39:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:20 mean?

Exodus 39:20 describes how the craftsmen making the priestly garments created two more gold rings and attached them to the lower front sides of the ephod, just above its decorative waistband, so that the different parts of the priest’s outfit could be securely fastened together. This detail shows the careful construction and specific placement of each piece in the high priest’s ceremonial clothing.

In this passage, the book of Exodus is recounting how the Israelites, under Moses’ direction, followed God’s instructions for building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The ephod was a special vest worn by the high priest, and these rings were part of the system for attaching the breastplate to the ephod. The verse highlights the attention to detail and craftsmanship involved in making the sacred garments exactly as commanded.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:20

  • אֵפוֹד (’ephod): This word means "ephod," a special priestly garment. Knowing this helps clarify that the verse is about the high priest’s clothing, not just any robe.
  • חָשֵׁב (ḥashēv): Translated here as "curious girdle," this refers to the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod. The phrase shows that the rings were placed just above this decorated belt, emphasizing the precise arrangement.
  • מַסְגֵּרֶת (masgeret, from the tag H4225 "coupling"): This word refers to the fastening or joining mechanism. The verse points out that the new rings were positioned opposite the other set of fastenings, showing the symmetry and function in the garment’s design.

Why Exodus 39:20 matters

  • This verse clears up that the priestly garments were not just decorative but carefully engineered, with each ring and fastening serving a purpose in holding the outfit together.
  • Exodus 39:20 shows the Israelites’ faithfulness in following detailed instructions, which is a theme throughout the tabernacle construction narrative.
  • Understanding the placement of the rings and the structure of the ephod helps readers appreciate the complexity and significance of the high priest’s role and attire in Israelite worship.

Where else these words appear

“coupling” Hebrew H4225 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 26:4 And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
  • Exodus 28:27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
  • Exodus 36:12 Fifty loops made he in one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain which was in the coupling of the second: the loops held one curtain to another.

“girdle” Hebrew H2805 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 28:8 And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
  • Exodus 28:28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
  • Exodus 39:5 And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“underneath” Hebrew H4295 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 26:24 And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
  • Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:
  • Proverbs 15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

“against” Hebrew H5980 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 25:27 Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.